Cash Toll Collection to End on Tobin in ‘14; Public Informational Meetings Beginning

BOSTON – Monday, May 20, 2013— The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced plans are underway for the implementation of All Electronic Tolling (AET) on the Tobin Bridge, a form of toll collection that saves drivers from both stopping and slowing down to pay their toll. MassDOT has scheduled a series of informational meetings to inform North Shore commuters and answer questions about the upcoming transition.

“With the implementation of this innovative form of toll collection we are saying to our customers that their time is valuable,” said MassDOT Secretary & CEO Richard A. Davey. “We are also increasing safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by cutting congestion and the time spent idling at the cash booth.”

Beginning early in 2014, motorists will no longer have the option to stop at a toll booth and pay cash for their Tobin Bridge toll. Tolls will be collected electronically in one of two ways: either through the motorist’s E-ZPass transponder or via a program in which a camera captures the license plate and the vehicle’s registered owner is billed by mail. A contractor has been selected to install the gantry or overhead collection system and work is beginning to support the technical back-office operations.

The informational meeting series will acquaint residents with the logistics of the transition including the timeframes and the benefits of AET such as reduced congestion, increased safety and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Prior to and following the brief presentation, motorists will be able to sign up for an E-ZPass transponder on-site.

MassDOT is encouraging motorists to join E-ZPass in advance of the transition and making it easier than ever for new customers to join E-ZPass. MassDOT is planning a new North Shore Customer Walk-In Center as well as putting a new mobile E-ZPass registration vehicle on the road this summer to reach those motorists still using cash. Also provided, will be easy ways for customers to add value using cash or credit cards.

Despite the introduction of transponders and electronic toll collection in the late 1990s, a significant portion of Tobin Bridge customers still elect to pay with cash. In 2012, there were 4.1 million cash transactions on the Tobin Bridge, an average of more than 11,000 each day.

E-ZPass transponders are now available at 17 AAA branches and 20 Registry of Motor Vehicles branches. You can also order a transponder online: www.Mass.gov/EZPassMA.

*Chelsea residents who qualify for resident discount must bring a valid license, valid vehicle registration and recent utility bill to prove residency in order to participate in the live sign-up.
SALEM
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Salem City Hall
93 Washington Street
6pm-8pm

For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog: www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot and Facebook at www.facebook.com/massdotinfo.
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